Programs

The 3 pillars to Artrepreneurship is designed to serve 5 BIPOC youth, with priority for Black youth, ages 18–24, from Toronto’s North-West communities, including North York, Little Jamaica, Jane-Finch, and Rexdale–Etobicoke. These communities are geographically and programmatically underserved, with limited access to downtown-based opportunities.

The program uses music and creative arts as the primary art form, with a focus on ARTrepreneurship, the business, professional, and operational aspects of the music and creative industries that are often not addressed in traditional, talent-based workshops. The curriculum centers on skills beyond music creation, including branding, exploring income streams, legal terminology, project planning, collaboration, and navigating early creative careers.

The program will take place in person at Studio M Community Arts Hub in Little Jamaica, running twice a week throughout the month of July 2026 with food and drinks provided at the end of each session from a local restaurant in the Little Jamaica community. Delivering the program within the community removes transportation barriers and ensures accessibility for youth who live farther from Toronto’s downtown core. Furthermore, program participants will be provided with bus fare to ensure travel for all mentees in our target areas.

Starting July 7th, activities will be delivered twice a week, through a facilitated workshop series, combining group learning, guided discussion, and hands-on exercises. Participants will be selected through an application process, prioritizing highly interested youth, emerging artists, and individuals early in their music careers who are seeking professional growth and structured mentorship.

Hosting the program locally reduces transportation barriers, with bus fare support provided, and each session providing food and drinks from a local Caribbean restaurant. Scheduled during the summer, the program offers consistent engagement during a key transitional period for youth. Participants receive a certificate of completion and an honorarium upon finishing.